Kiplinger's recognizes JMU's value

James Madison University ranks No. 22 in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2014.

The annual list spotlights public four-year schools that Kiplinger’s ranks based on cost measures and financial aid. Cost factors account for 45 percent and quality factors account for 55 percent.

“James Madison University ranked #22 in the top 100 colleges thanks to its high four-year graduation rate, low average student debt at graduation, abundant financial aid, a low sticker price, and overall great value,” according to a news release distributed by Kiplinger’s.

JMU’s four-year graduation rate is 62 percent. The university’s competitive total cost per year for Virginia students ($18,656) and cost after need-based aid for in-state students ($11,251) also contributed to the favorable ranking. JMU graduates hold an average debt at graduation of $22,792.

Kiplinger’s analyzed data from nearly 600 public schools to determine its 100 best values for 2014. A complete list of the top schools is available at http://www.kiplinger.com/links/college.